Aerosols in Dental Practice- A Neglected Infectious Vector

An aerosol is a suspension of solid or liquid particles in air or other gaseous environment. Sources of bacterial aerosols exist within and outside the dental clinic. The generation of bacterial aerosols and splatters appears to be highest during dental procedures. The use of rotary dental and surgical instruments and air-water syringes generates visible infectious spray, that enclose large-particle spatter of water, saliva, microorganisms, blood, and other debris. Several infectious diseases could be transmitted to staff and patients by airborne bacterial and other contaminants in the dental clinic. The vigilant use of barriers along with appropriate immunizations procedures could safe guard the dental fraternity from the ill-effects of the aerosols.